Storm-hit Centrals to fundraise at Cowboys game

Officials and volunteers from the Centrals ASA Tigers will step up the rugby league club's fight back following Tuesday morning's storm by fundraising at the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys' home game against Cronulla on Saturday night.

The Tigers' clubhouse in nearby Aitkenvale was badly damaged when it was struck by tornado-like winds described as being worse than Cyclone Yasi.

Part of the roof was lifted off, floodlights were damaged and equipment both outside and inside the clubhouse was ruined.

The Cowboys have a close connection with Centrals with NRL squad members Aaron Payne and Ray Thompson, who will play against the Sharks in the round four clash at Dairy Farmers Stadium, being former Tigers juniors.

They had a look at the damage to their former club on Friday.

A number of North Queensland staff members also have ties with the club.

Centrals senior and junior representatives wearing club colours and carrying collection buckets will be stationed at each entrance of Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night while collectors will also move through the crowd to take donations.

The Cowboys are also working on other ways they can assist the Tigers.

The club has more than 1000 people use its facilities three times a week - 488 juniors and 120 seniors playing rugby league and 300 juniors and 100 seniors affiliated with Sharks Touch.

All of these teams are currently displaced from their home.

Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain said it was important that the club showed its support to Centrals.